Wedding plans were ever-changing thanks to the pandemic, however in a loft surrounded by their closest loved ones, Alejandra and Rachel finally said ‘I do.’
Rachel and I waited 27 years to finally feel what true love is.
Both of us have struggled in life.
Both of us knew what it was like to not be loved the way that we should be.
Late one evening, I decided to flip through Tinder just one more time and I matched with her. The moment that I knew I wanted to be with Rachel was on our first date. She told me that she had lost her mother in a car accident. I knew then that she could handle all of the things that I have been through including the loss of my father. We continually make each other laugh and smile.
Coming out of a several-month quarantine, Rachel and I missed each other. We are inseparable in the best way.
We, like many couples, rearranged our wedding plans a few times due to Covid-19. First, we dreamed of a large wedding then reconsidered as we decided buying a house was more important than spending all of our earnings on a wedding. Within two days of this decision, I lost my job due to restaurants closing in our state. We then settled on an in-home ceremony for early fall. We had to cancel our plans again due to another outbreak. A few weeks later we discovered that we could have a small intimate ceremony at a loft that was perfect for a wedding our size.
On October 3rd, 2020, we got married in front of 24 friends and family. Our original wedding was going to be around 130 guests. Looking back, we loved having a small ceremony. We engaged with our guests during our vows. Everyone laugh and cried with us. Tissues were gently passed along to our bridesmaids. Everyone felt at home. I think what makes our relationship special is the light that we pass on to others. We love our people so strongly.
Our couch is always waiting for someone to come sit and let us cheer them up or make them die laughing. It makes me so joyful to hear everyone say that they know that we will make it and that they see us as goals for their own relationships. Our secret is humility and laughter…never stop laughing.
It’s rare to find someone that, no matter your emotions or what may be happening around you, bring you a sense of comfort and a feeling of home. Looking across at Rachel, I thought to myself, “wow… I have a wife, and she is perfect.”
Our relationship is such a firm foundation for working on life together and working on being our best selves. We make each other better. We make each other happy and make each other laugh every single day. That is key.
Photography by Abbey Turner
Accessories Macys, Etsy, Michael Kors, Wolf & Badger
Cake Short North Piece of Cake
Celebrant Celina Nader
Ceremony Venue Flat 51
Cinematographer Cyrus Gomez
Decorative Elements Joann Fabrics, Michaels
Engagement Rings Grandview Mercantile, Populent
Florist The Bouqs Co., Sam’s Club
Getting Ready Tees ModParty
Gown Boutiques David’s Bridal
Pre-ceremony Photos The Franklin Park Conservatory
Shoes DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, ASOS
Signage Minty Paperie Shop
Stationery Zazzle
Suit Designer Threadwell Clothiers, LLC
Wedding Rings Grandview Mercantile, Macy’s
